Cricut Expression vs. Cricut Imagine

I'm thinking of getting my mom the Expression for a Christmas present but since the Imagine just came out I'm wondering if I should buy that instead? It's more expensive but I only want to buy one. Has anyone used the Imagine yet? She doesn't have anything like either of these so I'm just wondering if the Expression is "good enough" for what she'll use it for. Has anyone tried the Cricut software? Any thoughts would be great!

What type of scrappin does she do? If she wants to cut anything like chipboard, she cannot with the Imagine, but with the Expression. You cannot cut anything bigger than a 12x12 sheet with teh Imagine, but the Expression has a 12x24 mat. However, you can use all the carts with the Imagine, but I don't know if the Expression will let you use the new Imagine carts. You need more room for the Imagine, than the Exprssion. And now both can be used with the Gypsy. There is some more things. You can use the Imagine, just like the Expression, you don't have to use the ink printer, if you are cutting. So you can use it to just cut, as you would with the Expression.
I don't have the Imagine, but am looking really hard at it. I have both the first Cricut, and the Expression, and love them both. I have had someone send me cuts from the Imagine, because I wonder about the color of the prints. It looks pretty good, however, you need to remember it is water base, so if it get too wet it will bleed.

As of the software, I don't know what you mean about this. Are you talking about the cartridges. They are great. Can be costly, so it's good to find them on sale, or on ebay.

I hope this answers some of your questions.

Thanks for clearing that up-I didn't know that you could only cut paper in the Imagine. I was hoping to just buy one and have it be able to do everything, rather than spending so much and buying two (not to mention the space needed for both). Hmmm-I wonder if the Expression would be a better buy then?

The software I was wondering about was the Cricut Design Studio Software-from their website it sounds like you can do a lot with it-anyone tried it yet??
Thanks!

I have the expression and looked hard at the imagine. i decided against it. one of the things i like to do is layer my cuts. so, the fact that the imagine could flatten and print the layers just didn't appeal to me. in the end, i would end up layering everything anyway and printing my own paper isn't a draw because, well...I have tons of paper and tons of scraps i can use. so, the extra expense just wasn't going to be worth it for me.

I don't have the Imagine, but I've heard there are TONS of issues with it, and quite a few people are sending it back,,,,

The ink isn't cheap either! And it's HUGE!

I have no interest in the Imagine whatsoever.

I love both machines! The ink lasts a long time in the Imagine. You can't cut chipboard but it cuts fabric, vinyl...it has become my go to machine which I know has been a concern for many. I have to admit though, I have not made a full 12x12 color bleed. I like the fact that I can make paper match existing paper or customize the color to fit my needs. You can also use color or pattern paper. You still can layer as you would with cuts from the expression. In a future update you can use a flattened image from the classic cartridges which will be a blessing for many people who hate working with the Disney cartridges because of the small cuts. You can print only, print and cut or just cut. I think it is a versatile machine that will only get better as updates become available.

I still use the Expression. Awesome machine, cuts many materials and has a larger cutting capability.

I think it all boils down to what you want and what you want to achieve with the machine.

I also wanted to add, that there have been issues with the imagine. However, PC has been excellent in addressing all of the issues. Again, it depends on your style and needs. I have no regrets with either purchase.

I would love to get one - but I've been waiting! Not sure if I really need it though! Thanks for posting all the details about the machine - that is really helpful!!!